The plumbing codes are a compilation of standards and requirements for plumbing systems. The purpose of the code is to protect public health by ensuring that all plumbing installed in homes, businesses, and places of public assembly meets minimum requirements.
Different plumbing codes establish minimum standards for the design, construction, installation, alteration, and repair of plumbing systems. As a professional, it’s important to be aware of the different plumbing codes that are in place in the USA. Some vary depending on your city and state.
Understanding the codes makes it easy to ensure that your plumbing stays compliant with the law.
Hydrotek International products are designed for compliance with the most stringent international standards. We excel in perfecting requirements that guarantee the safety of all users.
Here are some of the plumbing codes that apply to commercial projects and products in the USA and where they apply.
National Plumbing Code
The National Plumbing Code is an excellent reference for those working in the plumbing industry or anyone who would like a better understanding of plumbing.
The Building Officials and Code Administrators International (BOCA) published the National Plumbing Code contains standards and regulations for piping systems, fixtures and equipment design and installation.
It’s updated every three years and follows a rigorous set of guidelines, including a review process involving thousands of experts from around the country. The National Plumbing Code is used primarily in the Northeastern United States.
The National Plumbing Code provides requirements for water supply and distribution systems (including potable water); drainage, waste, venting, and soil piping systems; materials; installation; testing and inspection; and operational requirements for plumbing systems. It also contains prescriptive and performance-related requirements.
Uniform Plumbing Code
The Uniform Plumbing Code was developed by the International Association of Plumbing and Mechanical Officials (IAPMO). This is an industry-based plumbing code used as a basis for local ordinances in most U.S. states.
The Uniform Plumbing Code covers all aspects of plumbing systems and fixtures, including water supply and waste disposal, drain cleaning and venting, fixtures and faucets, water heaters and air conditioning systems.
The UPC contains minimum requirements for new construction, additions, alterations, and repairs to plumbing systems. It also provides regulations for designing, installing, and inspecting plumbing systems.
International Plumbing Code (ICC)
The International Plumbing Code is a set of model plumbing codes developed by the International Code Council. The ICC develops and maintains model codes for building construction.
The IPC contains all the provisions of the American National Standards Institute’s ANSI/ASME standard B31.1-1998 Safety Code for Plumbing Fixtures and Appliances (with some changes).
The International Plumbing Code provides requirements for plumbing systems in residential, commercial, institutional, and industrial buildings. It applies to new construction, alterations, and maintenance work such as repairs or replacements of fixtures or piping systems.
Also, the IPC includes provisions for potable water supply, sanitary drainage, and wastewater management, venting equipment, fire protection and emergency systems.
Standard Plumbing Code
The Standard Plumbing Code was developed by the Southern Building Code Congress International (SBCCI). The Standard Plumbing Code is much more than a typical plumbing code.
The Standard Plumbing Code sets standards for water supply and distribution, sanitary drainage, and venting, plumbing fixtures, equipment and appurtenances, water heating equipment, site utilities and special waste systems.
One and Two Family Dwelling Code
The Council of American Building Officials publishes the One and Two Family Dwelling Code. The provisions of this code govern the standards, quality and sizes of sanitary drainage pipes and fittings used in one- and two-family dwellings and townhouses regulated by this code.
The One and Two Family Dwelling Code requires plumbing fixtures to be installed per the manufacturer’s instructions for their particular type or fixture. Plumbing fixtures shall not be used for purposes other than those for which they are designed and installed.
National Standard Plumbing Code
The National Standard Plumbing Code is a model code published by the Plumbing-Heating-Cooling Contractors National Association.
The National Standard Plumbing Code includes provisions for design considerations, such as sizing piping systems based on flow rates and pressure loss through fittings; providing proper drainage at fixtures; designing water heaters to prevent scalding injuries; designing water closets so they are comfortable for users; ensuring adequate access by disabled individuals who need assistance with bathing activities and preventing short circuits caused by electrical equipment located within proximity of hot water heating systems.
ANSI A40, Safety Requirements for Plumbing
ANSI A40.19-2003, Safety Requirements for Plumbing, is a standard published by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI). It specifies plumbing design and construction requirements to minimize the risks of injury and death to users.
The ANSI standard requires that all pipes be installed so that they do not leak or break under normal use conditions, including allowing enough room for expansion when a pipe freezes during cold weather. The standard also details calculating pressure losses over long distances to ensure the safe operation of your home’s plumbing system.
Differences between plumbing codes
The United States uses several different plumbing codes depending on where you live. Every state has its plumbing code with a lot of similarities. But there are also some differences between standards from state to state. The most common differences between the codes include the following:
The International Plumbing Code (IPC) covers commercial but not residential applications.
The Uniform Plumbing Code (UPC) covers residential and light commercial applications, not commercial or industrial ones.
The National Standard Plumbing Code (NSPC) only covers residential and light commercial applications.
Other differences between the codes include the following:
Size of the pipe and location
Codes have different requirements for the minimum size of water heater tanks. In some states, the minimum is 50 gallons; in others, it’s 40 gallons. In others, it’s as low as 30 gallons. Moreover, these codes determine the maximum size of supply pipes from the main water line to each fixture (“pipes” include both hot and cold-water lines). There is no standard pipe size; local regulations specify the acceptable diameter.
Allowed materials
Plumbing codes specify what materials can be used for your home or business plumbing system. This is because some materials are more durable than others and less likely to rust. This leads to leaks within your system and other problems, such as mold growth, among other things.
Pressure requirements
In some areas, pressure requirements are high; in others, they are low. This can affect how many fixtures can be installed on a single pipe or fixture size requirements.
Flow rates
Some jurisdictions require that faucets have a minimum flow rate, while others do not specify this requirement. Similarly, some codes require fixtures such as toilets and showers to have a certain amount of water flow per minute, while others do not specify this requirement.
Temperature regulation
This ensures that you can use hot water safely for washing hands or bathing. It also includes requirements for heating systems that provide hot water to buildings. The ICC provides the minimum temperature required to be 120 degrees Fahrenheit or 48.9 degrees Celsius.
Applications of plumbing codes
The most common applications of plumbing codes include:
Backflow prevention
Backflow prevention is a term that refers to an action or device used to prevent the reverse flow of fluids in a piping system. Plumbing codes require backflow prevention for water systems to prevent contamination of the public water supply.
Backflow prevention devices are designed to prevent an unwanted flow from entering the potable water supply from another source. The check valve is the most common form of backflow prevention device. Check valves can be either one-way or two-way, depending on their application.
Fixtures and faucets
The plumbing code covers fixtures that are used in homes and businesses. Plumbing fixtures include bidets, faucets, sinks, bathtubs, lavatories and showers. Depending on their use, these fixtures must meet specific requirements for maximum flow rate (gallons per minute). It is recommended that all buildings should meet these criteria to reduce water use and improve indoor air quality.
Water supply and distribution piping
This code establishes the minimum standards for water supply and distribution piping. Unless exempted by this chapter or another law, the plumbing code applies to all buildings and structures, including existing buildings and structures.
The plumbing code requires the material to be used for water supply and distribution piping to be copper (C), galvanized steel (G), polyvinyl chloride (PVC) and cast iron (CI). These materials may be used alone or in combination with one another.
Conclusion
Plumbing takes enormous labor and expertise to install, so all must meet certain criteria and codes to function efficiently. With Hydrotek International, you can rest assured that our products comply with all the plumbing codes and will give you value for your money. We have an extensive line of products to meet all your plumbing needs. Contact us today!
